Public Health Emergencies Program

When a Public Health Emergency (PHE) is declared, state, local, tribal and territorial governments can now benefit from the speed, savings, and ease of use of the Federal Supply Schedules. These eligible ordering entities are now authorized to access all Federal Supply Schedules for the purchase of supplies and services, when expending federal grants funds in response to Public Health Emergencies (PHEs). This authorization is made through the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under section 319 of the Public Health Services Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 247d.

Purchasing LimitationsAccess to the Federal Supply Schedules under this program is limited to state, local, tribal and territorial governments receiving grant funds in direct response to a PHE. When purchasing from Schedules, state, local, tribal and territorial governments should follow the ordering and competitive procedures that meet their own procurement regulations, and any requirements stipulated in the grant funding.

ParticipationParticipation is voluntary for state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as Schedule contractors.

Purchasing Language
The following language should be included on all task or delivery orders placed by state, local, tribal and territorial governments under this program:

“This order is placed under Federal Supply Schedule number ________________ according to GSA policy that authorizes state, local, territorial and tribal governments, as authorized users for purchasing goods and services, when expending federal grant funds in response to Public Health Emergencies (PHEs) declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under section 319 of the Public Health Services Act.”

FAQs are also available for the following areas of interest to customer agencies and vendors: